2003 Grand Am stalled in rain water. Won’t start, see details. Now what?

I was pulling into a gas station last night in heavy rain. There was about 6 to 8 inches of water in the entrance to the station from the street (up to my ankles) that I tried to go around but it was just too big; I couldn’t back up due to traffic coming in and I had to go right through. The car stalled and died. I was able to quickly push it up to higher ground. I tried to re-start, but the car would just crank as if it was trying to start but it won’t turn over. I had to get towed home as there was nothing else open and I couldn’t leave the car there (gas station owner is a jerk, anyway).

The car DOES try to start, and at one point it almost did, after a bit of fiddling. There was a bunch of water around the air filter, the mass air sensor (?) and all up around the intake manifold. However, the oil looks and smells very normal– no “mayonnaise” or “milkshakes”, and the tranny fluid also looks normal.

There is no shop open today where I can take it to get it looked at or fixed and I’m not very mechanically inclined or equipped. What can or should I do now so I can either get it to start and ultimately start drying out or at least minimize the residual damage? I am a woman with absolutely no one to help me do anything with this car– not even a jumpstart if it were ever needed, but I have a Haines manual (couldn’t get hold of a Chilton’s for this thing). I HAVE to have a car to get to work in the morning, as I have no alternative (no public transit, too far for a daily cab ride, no car pool, too far to ride a bicycle, etc.) Please help.
I bought the car used over a year ago. No dealer warranty remaining, no warranty period, no rental option available. I’m on my own.
Pulled the plugs, cleaned and sprayed everything off, cranked it a few times, wiped things all up and put everything back– she cranked! YAY!! Now I’m off to the local parts house for a new set (badly needed anyway), and a new air filter.

Thanks Gdwrnch!! Have 10 on me.

Thanks
Well, I’ll give you the 10 as soon as the system allows…
McKee, thanks for the good info on the MAF cleaner spray. In fact, we used some of that at the scene. Perhaps that tidbit will help someone else like it helped me when I got the same advice and care at the scene. The new air filter is a definite must, too. I just took the car for a more demanding drive and it’s running real well now… better than before, probably because of the new plugs. It needed them!

I wish I could give you 10 points as well for your good answer, but the system only allows me to choose one answer. I already made a promise, and I keep my word. But you have 10 more points in “my” book.

Thanks, all for your good answers.

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